Moving Forward

Hi All!

Sorry that this post has been late coming. On Tuesday we made our way to the gastroenterologist. The excitement had been building for sometime because I was hoping to hear that Caleb was doing well enough that we could start solids. All the indicators were there, but we were instructed to wait since he had such a difficult time in the beginning of his life. So On Tuesday Dr. M said that we could start with cereal and then introduce a new flavor once a week. I think that his first food will be Butternut Squash since I still have some from our co op. CAleb's first go with cereal was a little funny. He wasn't quite sure what to do with the new texture. He tried a few bites and then became very angry. So we washed it down with a little milk and then half way through the bottle tried again which seemed better. With each feeding he has much improved his intake and ability to eat cereal. I'm so excited to be making his baby food that is one thing that I knew I always wanted to do for many years now and since we have been running our Organic Co Op I am more excited.

Caleb is 16.2 pounds and 24.75 inches long.

Our visits to the eye doctor and ear doctors went very well both gave us great reports on Caleb's progress. The ear doctor no longer has any concerns about his hearing. His eye doctor said that his eyes are progressing very well and it should be just a few more times visiting to be sure that everything is completely resolved.

Sitting Pretty

Guess who is sitting?

That's right today Caleb has been sitting all by himself. I'm so happy for him. He will be 8 months on the 5th of June (4 months adjusted). I now he is doing more and more because of his therapy sessions and I am so thankful he has a great therapist. She is so encouraging and has such a gift with working with babies.

On another note I have to say that I am a little obsessed with hearing other people's stories about their micro preemies. I feel like we belong to a special club or something, except no one wants to belong. I was reading this blog and my heart hurt so much for this family. There seemed to be so much guilt, anger and frustration through out the journey... I prayed for them as I read the blog...then I went to bed and the next day I resumed reading. Their son was in the NICU nearly as long as Caleb, but just couldn't get off the ventilators.... they did a tracheotomy but he was still requiring too much help to breathe. In they end they we not able to help him and he went to be with God...He was on the ventilator to long and had Chronic Lung Disease. I was so very much overwhelmed with gratitude at what God has given us. I know the medical odd were against us... because he was a boy, because he was 24 weeks..because it was out of the blue. But we have made it so far. This whole experience has given me a different perspective on Love and Life. I try to find JOY in everything. I do find Joy in our son, even one those days when I'm not sure what to do. I don't take for granted what a privilege it is to be a parent. I no longer want my parenting to follow a book or style but be filled with faith, love and laughter for our family.

Our family has been praying for another family who has a little one in the NICU who isn't doing very well. She too has been on the ventilator for a very long time. I can only ask that God will continue to bless them. Please pray for baby S.